Neuropathy symptoms can make your life miserable. Luckily, podiatrists offer effective treatments that can reduce or relieve your painful symptoms. The podiatrists at The Foot and Ankle Group in Philadelphia, PA, and Mt. Laurel, Columbus and Bordentown, NJ, discuss neuropathy and explain several treatment options that may be helpful.

Nerve damage causes painful symptoms

Nerve damage is the cause of neuropathy, a condition that commonly affects people who have diabetes. The condition can also be caused by medication side effects, infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or aging.

If you have neuropathy, you may notice numbness, tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation in your feet. Although none of these symptoms is very pleasant, numbness is a particularly serious consequence of neuropathy because it may lead to serious foot infections. If you can't feel your feet, you can't tell when you experience a cut or other minor injury. Without proper treatment, small scrapes or burst blisters can easily become infected.

Other signs of neuropathy include burning or shooting pain, hot or cold sensations, extreme sensitivity to touch or pressure, cramps, swelling, balance issues and difficulty walking.

Foot doctors offer effective treatments for neuropathy

We offer a variety of treatments that may be helpful, such as prescription medications that decrease pain and burning. If your condition is caused by an autoimmune disorder, we may recommend an immunosuppressant medication.

Physical therapy treatment can help you improve your balance and your ability to walk easily. Orthotics, custom-designed shoe inserts, may also be recommended, particularly if your feet have become numb. Orthotics reduce foot movement when you wear shoes, preventing blisters.

Reduce pain, tingling and other neuropathy symptoms with a visit to The Foot & Ankle Group. Call the Philadelphia, PA, office at (215) 332-5300, the Mt. Laurel, NJ, office at (856) 234-0195, the Bordentown, NJ, office at (609) 291-0960 or the Columbus, NJ, office at (609) 298-7000 to schedule an appointment.